dec 17, 1980 - Solidarity

Description:

Solidarity was an independent Polish trade union, the first of its kind in a country belonging to the Soviet Union, and was made up of the majority of the Polish workforce. There were a series of controlled strikes to back up its appeals for economic reforms, free elections, and involvement in trade union decision making. The ruling government at the time was pressured by the Soviet Union in order to suppress this movement, and made Solidarity illegal. However, the organization continued its operations underground, and after a new wave of strikes and labour unrest, the government had agreed to legalize Solidarity and allow it to participate in free elections. However, this civil unrest was a point of rising tensions initially.

Added to timeline:

Date: